“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” That is a phrase that many of us have used tongue in cheek. But I wonder what really is your story?
We all have a narrative that we tell ourselves. Your story reflects your personal sense of self. Some of your story is rooted in a solid basis, such as facts about your family, your gender, or your age. But other parts of your story are not so black and white as they may be your interpretation of events. For example, you may see yourself as an extrovert, a self-starter, or an optimist. But you may need to ask yourself – are those accurate reflections of who I am or are they representative of who I want to be?
Even if the are not necessarily accurate components of your current story, they could become a part of your narrative. For instance, while you may have a tendency to see most things through a pessimistic lens, telling yourself that you are an optimistic person can potentially help move the needle in that direction. Likewise, if you adopt an attitude of Eeyore, the pessimistic, gloomy, depressed donkey from “Winnie the Pooh,” then it is more likely that you will create a story that reflects that attitude.
While I am not suggesting that we live fictitious lives, the power of our narratives – the stories that we tell ourselves, are real. Does your story include heartache and loss? Probably so. At the same time, does it include love and joy? Most likely. So, where do you want to camp?
While I am certainly not suggesting adopting a Pollyannaish perspective, I do know that your story can influence your entire outlook on life. While there is most assuredly evil in the world, our story can include the grace and love of an Almighty God. Which narrative would you choose for your focus?